Highlights From Our Collection - October 2011

Juanita’s Restaurant Memorabilia
Boulder, CO, ca. 1983-2011

Juanita’s Mexican Restaurant was opened on Pearl Street on June 13, 1983 by Boulder natives Roger Berardi & partner Michael Kretz, who worked together in the restaurant business in Colorado for many years.  Roger’s family had many Italian restaurants in Boulder, Denver, Louisville, & the Western Slope over the last decades.  Sadly, Juanita’s closed in March of 2011, but the Boulder favorite will forever remain in our hearts.

Roger & Michael had done extensive research in various regions of Mexico and had a dream to bring the food & culture to Boulder, where until then this cuisine was little known. Not only did the pair introduce many authentic Mexican specialties, they also mixed it up with TexMex favorites, a diverse selection of Mexican beers & tequilas, and numerous types of margaritas. They then created a colorful, fun and funky atmosphere to serve up their style of food and drink including the original mural painted on the dining room wall. The Red Room lounge also had its unique appeal in this new addition to Boulder dining & drinking.

Juanita’s was born, and became an instant success. Boulderites loved the great food & drink in the high-energy yet casual atmosphere. Juanita’s continued to gain popularity over the years with Boulder residents, consistently providing excellent food & drink.

Juanita’s is the original and held true to their concept from over 20 years ago.  Their food was prepared from scratch daily using fresh, quality ingredients by their skilled Cocineros. They offered an extensive selection of margaritas, beers & cocktails. The service at Juanita’s was fast & friendly, and they strove to ensure each & every guest had a memorable experience.

Juanita’s was the winner of “Boulder’s Best Mexican Food” year after year among the readers of the Daily Camera, Colorado Daily, & Boulder Weekly.  If you’d  never been, you truly missed something special. Juanita’s was a Boulder staple that will never be forgotten! 

Written by Ed Bigg, former Juanita's Manager

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